2019 is a massive year for Nottingham Forest, as they look ignite a promotion push for the Premier League.

It has been a turbulent last few weeks for the Reds, with the pressure reportedly mounting on manager Aitor Karanka after slipping out of the top six. But, after an invaluable 4-2 home win against Leeds United last week, the Spaniard is surely now safe.

Ahead of a trip to struggling Reading this weekend, Forest currently sit seventh in the Sky Bet Championship table, four points off the play-off places, and Karanka will undoubtedly be looking to strengthen his squad in January, despite an overhaul in the summer.

The Reds made 17 signings in the summer transfer window, but with work still to be done if Forest are to clinch promotion, Karanka could be a busy man this month.

Here, we take a look at what the Forest XI could look like at the end of the January transfer window.

 

Straight away, there is a dilemma in between the sticks. Costel Pantilimon has been a regular for Forest this season but has looked shaky and come under criticism at times this season, whilst Luke Steele has had to settle for a couple of cup appearances here and there.

The Reds, though, have recently been linked with moves to sign Leicester City's Eldin Jakupovic and Burnley's Tom Heaton, and you have to feel that if the latter does sign, then he'd probably the best option for Karanka's men, having played for England three times.

Tendayi Darikwa has been superb at right-back this season, and will have to continue to work hard to keep Saidy Janko out of the team, whereas the left-back position is rightfully Jack Robinson's. The Reds could look to bolster their defensive options, with Michael Dawson and Danny Fox both ageing slightly.

The Reds have also been linked with a move to sign former Crystal Palace midfielder Jordon Mutch - the 27-year old is now a free agent after his contract expired at MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps, and in order to fit him into the team, we've gone with a three-man midfield here.

Up front, there is no need to replace top goalscorer Lewis Grabban, although the Reds have recently been linked with a move to land Paris FC forward Silas Wamangituka, as perhaps a long-term replacement for the 30-year old. Joao Carvalho and Joe Lolley will also want to continue to play instrumental roles in Forest's push for the play-offs.